Rumor Browns approach Cowher

[RaidenDAWG2]

A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that the Browns have approached former Steelers coach Bill Cowher regarding the possibility of becoming the next coach in Cleveland.

Per the source, the Browns are willing to give Cowher a contract worth $8 million to $9 million per year.

ProFootballTalk.com - SOURCE: BROWNS PURSUING COWHER

It'd be for complete control. If he's smart (and can't find a way to get Kevin Colbert from Pittsburgh), he'd find a way to work with Phil Savage and have a Pioli/Belichick type relationship going on there. Savage has an eye for talent, Trip McCracken (our cap guy) is also good, add in a coach with final say...might be the winning combo we've been lacking.

I'd also like to see them find a way to keep both coordinators. Mel Tucker's a talented guy on defense, he just needs a mentor to teach him how to properly run this 3-4. Chuds on offense...I think I've explained my reasons for keeping him about a thousand times over

-RD

[Tronix]

It sounds like a hell of a situation except one thing.

Didn't Cowher go out on good terms with the Rooneys?

If so, wouldn't it kind of be sticking it to them to come back to a division rival?

If there was some animosity, I am not aware of from Cowher to the Steelers, then hey..this may be the best thing since Bernie Kosar to happen to the dawgs. (assuming of course, all this turns out to be true AND Cowher agrees to the deal.)

[RaidenDAWG2]

Originally Posted by Tronix

It sounds like a hell of a situation except one thing.

Didn't Cowher go out on good terms with the Rooneys?

If so, wouldn't it kind of be sticking it to them to come back to a division rival?

If there was some animosity, I am not aware of from Cowher to the Steelers, then hey..this may be the best thing since Bernie Kosar to happen to the dawgs. (assuming of course, all this turns out to be true AND Cowher agrees to the deal.)

It would be something to that effect, except for the fact that Cowher actually played for the Browns during the early 80's and launched his coaching career under Marty Schottenheimer. He actually was interviewed for the opening in 1991 when Belichick was hired as well.

If it were any other division rival, it'd be a no, but I think the Rooney's would understand if he went back to a place where he spent the better part of the 80's.

For the record, that's 1980-82 as a player, and 1985-89 as a coach. He started with the Chiefs as their DC in 1989.

-RD

[Wolverine]

The Rooney's might understand, but the fans won't.. For as much good he did for us, he'd lose a ton of respect. If he doesn't care about that, then I guess there's nothing to stop him.

[ancatdubh]

All I have is heresy, but my cousin in Clev, has told me that Cowher has bought a house in the Mistake on The Lake City!

I would find him nothing short of Benedict Arnold if he went to coach the Browns!

[jjflr]

$8-$9 mi||ion a year ........ wou|d that make him the highest paid coach .......... ??

[ThomasTomasz]

Originally Posted by JJFmissing keyR

$8-$9 mi||ion a year ........ wou|d that make him the highest paid coach .......... ??

I'm pretty sure that it would be. However, I don't know about giving him complete control. Haven't we proved already that coaches who have the dual role can make the playoffs, but they have yet to win a Lombardi trophy? Holmgren actually saw his Seahawks improve when he was stripped of GM power.

It's a lot for any coach, no matter who it is, what their age is, etc. I can't see it working out the way Cleveland wants it.

However, after this report, it's almost a given Crennel is done, barring the team winning out and making the playoffs. Even then, he might be gone. It's a nice way to show confidence in the coach and players, to approach someone this early.

[Wolverine]

Originally Posted by ancatdubh

All I have is heresy, but my cousin in Clev, has told me that Cowher has bought a house in the Mistake on The Lake City!

I would find him nothing short of Benedict Arnold if he went to coach the Browns!

That's a false rumor... Trust me on that one..

[RaidenDAWG2]

More reasons to hire him...

His defenses in Pittsburgh averaged the following in terms of league ranking...

Points/Game: 7th
Yards/Game: 6th

His teams overall averaged these tidy numbers...
Point Differential: 10th
Yard Differential: 8th

And most importantly...his average record...an even 10-6...
Now imagine him with a solid defensive core to build around (Rogers, Wimbley...ish, Jackson, Jones, Wright, Pool, and McDonald), a solid offensive line, young but talented quarterback, and a couple of prima donna pass catchers. Arguably one of the better offensive units he'll have ever worked with talent wise.

Hmmm...I think I may be dreaming, but it's nice to think about...

-RD